Walking cane assembly

ABSTRACT

A walking cane assembly including an elongated shaft having separable segments connected by joint assemblies, wherein the shaft is disposable between a collapsed position, and a elongated, substantially linear, operative position. A stabilizing assembly is operatively structured with one or more of the joint assemblies so as to facilitate stabilization of the shaft in the operative position. A handle assembly is adjustably connected to a proximal end of the shaft and is structured to facilitate selective adjustment thereof both axially and rotationally relative to the length of the shaft thereby allowing adjustment in the operative length of the walking cane as well as the angular orientation of the grip relative to the shaft. And end member is connected to the distal end of the shaft and is structured to provide a firm, non-slipping engagement with a supporting surface of a user of the cane assembly.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation patent application ofpreviously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. ______, filedon May 30, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part application ofpreviously filed, pending application having Ser. No. 11/206,674, filedon Aug. 18, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part application ofpreviously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. 11/129,565,filed on May 13, 2005, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a collapsible walking cane assemblyselectively disposable between an operative position and a collapsedposition and having an adjustable length. The angular orientation of ahand grip relative to a remainder of the cane assembly may also bevaried and a stabilizing assembly is provided to facilitate stability ofthe shaft when in the operative position.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many individuals suffer from a lack of mobility because of age, medicalconditions or a variety of other factors. As a result, such individualsfrequently require some type of mechanical aid or device in order tofacilitate there support on or travel over the variety of differentsupporting surfaces. Known mobility aiding devices which are currentlyin use and readily available on the commercial market include walkerassemblies and wheel chairs. In the former category, a walker structureallows an individual to support oneself in a stable, uprightorientation, while standing or walking.

Conventional walker assemblies also allow individuals to safely traversea variety of different support surfaces such as floors, sidewalks,streets, ground surfaces, etc. As such, walker assemblies incorporatingconventional structural and operative features may include supportingwheels, rollers, etc. When present, such wheel or equivalent structuresincrease the mobility of a user, but may possibly reduce his/herstability, especially when all of the legs of a given walker frameinclude a wheel or roller structure connected thereto.

The advantages of the walker assembly of the type described aboveinclude a generally smaller, lightweight frame which may be more easilystored and/or transported when not in use. As such, conventional walkerassemblies may in fact be collapsible or foldable in order furtherfacilitate the disposition thereof within convenient or appropriatestorage areas.

As set forth above wheelchairs represent another category of mobilityaiding devices which are used by those individuals having moresignificant physical limitations. An increased use of wheelchairs hasoccurred in recent years, due at least in part, to an increasingly agingpopulation. As such, the development of the wheelchair in various formshas progressed from the smaller, manually propelled wheelchairstructures to the heavier, larger wheelchair assemblies which aremotorized. While the more sophisticated, motorized wheelchairs havedistinct advantages in terms of facilitating mobility without requiringmanual exertion, cost, weight, maintenance, etc. are sometimesconsidered disadvantages.

Yet another category of mechanical mobility aides, which is perhaps mostcommonly used, includes walking canes. While it is recognized that awalking cane can be used for decorative purposes and/or as a fashionaccessory, the majority of cane structures are specifically designed tobe used as an aide to physically challenged individuals not requiring awheelchair or walker assembly. However, when needed, a cane assemblyshould include sufficient structural integrity to allow an individual tostand or walk over a variety of different surfaces in a safe, reliableand stable manner.

It is well recognized that walking canes, walking sticks and likedevices have been in use for hundreds of years and as such typicallycomprise a one piece elongated shaft having some type of handle or handgripping portion secured to one end thereof. However, recently there hasbeen an increased demand for a cane structure which is more structurallyversatile. For example, there is a recognized need for a walking caneassembly to overcome any disadvantages and problems associated withknown or conventional canes, such as by being at least partiallycollapsible or foldable into a reduced volume configuration. Suchcapabilities would allow the storage and transport of a cane assemblymore easily and/or in a smaller area. At the same time, any structurallymodified and operationally versatile waling cane assembly should bereliably stable and used to aide in the support or mobility of aphysically challenged individual. However, the providing of suchstability should not detract from the preferred lightweight structure ofa proposed walking cane assembly.

Other features preferably associated with a newly proposed walking caneassembly should be the ability to easily and efficiently adjust itsoverall length in order to accommodate users of various sizes. Also whena preferred cane assembly incorporates a collapsible or foldable featurespecific structural components should be associated therewith whichserves to stabilize at least the elongated shaft portion of the canewhen being disposed and maintained in an operative, ready to useposition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a walking cane assembly having thestructural versatility to be selectively disposed between a collapsed orfolded position and an operative position. Moreover, the variousstructural components of the various preferred embodiments of the caneassembly of the present invention are cooperatively structured anddisposed to allow a certain degree of adjustability of the caneassembly. Such adjustable features include, but are not limited to, avariance in the length of the cane assembly and a selective positioningof a hand grip of the handle assembly in any of a plurality of angularorientations relative to the length or longitudinal access of the shaft.As such, the walking cane assembly of the present invention can bequickly and easily adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes,while also being readily adaptable to accommodate the personalpreferences or physical demands of a user.

The selective positioning, of the cane assembly in either theaforementioned collapsed or operative positions is accomplished byforming the shaft portion thereof to include a plurality of elongatedsections disposed in coaxial, end-to-end relation to one another when inthe operative position. Each of the elongated sections is substantiallyhollow and dimensioned to accommodate an elongated resilient materialcord, strap, band, etc, on the interior thereof. As structured, theinterior, resilient material band exerts a biasing force on the shaftwhich serves to firmly maintain the elongated sections thereof in thecoaxial, aligned, operative position. However, the exterted biasingforce is such as to permit a separation of the elongated sections into afolded or collapsed orientation, as will be explained in greater detailhereinafter.

Reliable and stable support of a cane user, while standing or walking,is a recognized necessity. Accordingly, the structural integrity of acane assembly used as mobility aid should be sufficient to withstandforces exerted thereon, at least in the 250 pound range. Therefore, thestrength and stability of the cane assembly of the present invention isintentionally enhanced through the provision of a stabilizing assembly.The stabilizing assembly is directly associated and cooperativelystructured with each of a plurality of joint assemblies. Each jointassembly is disposed and structured to removably connect the pluralityof elongated segments to one another, when the shaft is in theaforementioned operative position. Moreover, the stabilizing assemblycomprises two mating and or abutting stabilizing segments associatedwith the mating portions of each joint disposed and structured toremovably connect corresponding ends of the elongated segments of theshaft in the operative position.

As set forth above, cooperatively disposed components of the caneassembly are cooperatively structured to provide for selectiveadjustment of both the length of the shaft and the specific angularorientation of a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a handgrip and an elongated mounting portion which serves to removably connectthe grip to the proximal end of the shaft. The connection between thehandle assembly and the shaft is such as to allow the mounting assemblyand the attached grip to be adjusted along the length of the shaftadjacent to the proximal end. In addition, the grip is removably securedto the outer most end of the mounting portion of the handle assembly andis preferably attached thereto by a mating, threaded connection. Assuch, the grip maybe rotated relative to the mounting portion as well asthe shaft, when the mounting portion and the shaft are fixedly, butremovably secured to one another. This rotational movement facilitates aminor adjustment in the operative length of the cane assembly byallowing the grip to rotate towards or away from the outer most end ofthe mounting portion.

However the rotational, threaded interconnection between the grip andthe mounting portion may be considered even more significant by allowingthe grip to be selectively disposed in any one of a plurality of angularorientations relative to the axis of the mounting portion, as well asthe shaft to which it is removably but fixedly attached. One benefit ofvarying the angular orientation between the grip and the mountingportion is the ability to position or orient a connection assembly,serving to interconnect the handle assembly and the shaft, at various,less noticeable locations relative to the grip. Personal preferences ofa user may thereby be accommodated.

Other structural and operative features of the various preferredembodiments of the cane assembly of the present invention comprise asurface engaging end member or “tip” which is specifically structured toadd stability to a user of the cane assembly. More specifically, thesurface engaging end or tip includes a peripheral flange made of amaterial having a predetermined flexibility and protruding outwardlyfrom a base and or housing portion of the tip. Further, thepredetermined degree of flexibility of the peripheral flange is such asto at least partially collapse when engaging a user supporting surface.A non-sliding, non-slipping engagement of the surface, by the tip andthe distal end of the shaft to which it is attached is therebyaccomplished, regardless of the type or texture of the supportingsurface.

Therefore, the cane assembly of the present invention overcomesrecognized disadvantages and problems associated with cane type mobilityaides conventionally known and commonly used by the elderly and/orphysically challenged individuals. Included in the various operative andstructural features of the preferred embodiments of the subject caneassembly is the ability to selectively adjust its physicalcharacteristics to accommodate the size as well as other requirements ofa user. In addition, the cane assembly is capable of being selectivelydisposed in either an operative position, when intended for use, or acollapsed position, so as to assume a smaller volume for storage and/ortransport. In addition, while the cane assembly of the present inventioncomprises a lightweight construction the cooperative nature of thevarious components of the cane assembly provide reliable stability aswell as firm engagement with the surface over which the user of the caneassembly is traveling.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of at least one preferred embodiment of a caneassembly of the present invention in an operative position.

FIG. 2 is detailed view in exploded form and partial cut-away of a jointassembly associated with the elongated shaft of the cane assembly of theembodiment in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 a is an end view taken along line 2 a-2 a of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 b is an end view taken along line 2 b-2 b of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a detail view in partial cutaway of the preferred embodimentof FIG. 1 in a collapsed or folded position.

FIG. 4 is a detail view in exploded form and partial cutaway ofassociated structural and operative components of a handle assembly of apreferred embodiment of the cane assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a is an end view taken along line 4 a-4 a of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 b is an end view taken along line 4 b-4 b of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a detail view in perspective of an alignment member associatedwith an alignment assembly connected to the handle assembly, asrepresented in FIGS. 4, 4 a and 4 b.

FIG. 6 is an assembled view in partial cutaway representing thealignment member of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in its intended, aligningposition relative to the handle assembly.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a surface engaging tip or end membermounted on and directly associated with a distal end of the shaft of thecane assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom end view along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a detail view in exploded form and partial cutaway of analternate embodiment of the associated structural and operativecomponents of a handle assembly of the cane assembly of the presentinvention including the alignment member being sized to protrude fromthe locking cover.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the accompany drawings, the present invention is directed toa walking cane assembly generally indicated as 10 and comprising a shaftgenerally indicated as 12 which is represented in FIG. 1 in itsoperative position. When so positioned, the shaft 12, comprises aplurality of elongated sections 14, 15, 16, 17, etc. disposed into acoaxial orientation. The specific number of the elongated sections 14through 17 may vary. However, there should be at least two of suchsections to facilitate disposition of the cane assembly 10 in thecollapsed position of FIG. 3. By way of example only the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1, comprises four elongated sections. As described ingreater detail hereinafter, the primary reference to FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2b, adjacent ones of the plurality of elongated sections 14 through 17are interconnected by a joint assembly 18 which facilitates theselective disposition of the sections 14 through 17 in either theoperative position of FIG. 1 or in a collapsed, folded position of FIG.3.

As disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 4, the walking cane assembly 10 alsoincludes a handle assembly generally indicated as 20. The handleassembly 20 and an associate mounting assembly 22 is cooperativelystructured to facilitate selective adjustment of the handle assembly 20relative to the shaft 12. As such, there may be an adjustable variancein the overall height of the cane assembly 10, as well as a preferredangular orientation of a grip 26, relative to the mounting portion 22and shaft 12, when the mounting portion 22 and the shaft 12 areremovably but fixedly interconnected to one another.

With primary reference to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2 b, the selective positioningof the shaft 12 between the operative position of FIG. 1 and thecollapsed or folded position of FIG. 3 is facilitated by the structuraland operative features of each of a plurality of joint assemblies 18.The number of joint assemblies 18 will of course depend upon the numberof the plurality of elongated sections 14 through 17 which comprise theshaft 12. For purposes of clarity FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2 b represent asingle joint assembly 18, wherein each of the joint assemblies 18 mayinclude a substantially equivalent structure.

Accordingly, the one or more of the joint assemblies 18 comprise matingportions 19 and 23 which are disposed on or connected to different onesof corresponding ends of adjacent elongated sections, such as 14 and 15.More specifically, mating portions 19 and 23 are structured to definemale and female mating portions respectfully. As such, male matingportion 19 includes an elongated outwardly extending mating memberhaving an angular, converging exterior surface 19′ which can also bedefined as a frusto-conical configuration. Integrally or otherwisefixedly attached thereto is an elongated, substantially cylindricalexterior surface 19″ extending from the convergent end of the angularsurface 19′ to the extremity 25 of the male mating portion 19.

As also represented the elongated sections 14 and 15, as well as theremaining sections 16 and 17 are at least partially hollow and includean interior channel communicating with open end of extremity 25′. Thehollow interior of the elongated sections 14 through 17 accommodates anelongated, flexible material cord, strap band or like biasing member 28which serves to exert a biasing, retaining force on each of theelongated sections 14 through 17. The biasing, retaining force providedby the elongated elastic material member 28 is sufficient to facilitatethe retention of the elongated segments 14 through 16 in the operativeposition of FIG. 1. However, the biasing force exerted on the pluralityof elongated segments 14 through 16 can be overcome by a separating,pulling action exerted on adjacent ones of the elongated sections 14through 16 serving to separate the joint 18 as indicated in FIG. 2 andthereby allow the elongated sections 14 through 16 to be selectivelydisposed in the folded or collapsed position of FIG. 3. While not shownfor purposes of clarity opposite ends of the biasing member 28 may beattached or connected to the shaft 12 adjacent the opposite, proximaland distal ends 12′ and 12″.

Moreover, the joint assembly 18 includes the female mating portion 23having an interior, angularly and inwardly converging mating surface 23′as well as a substantially cylindrical interior surface 23″. Further,mating surfaces 23′ and 23″ are dimensioned, disposed and configured tomatingly engage the outwardly converging surface 19′ and the cylindricalsurface 19″ when the mating portions 19 and 23 are brought into matingengagement with one another, as generally represented in FIG. 1.

In order to provide reliable stability the shaft 12 when in itsoperative position, particularly at the locations of the jointassemblies 18, the exterior surfaces 19, 19′ and the interior surfaces23′ and 23″ are cooperatively structured the manner described. However,additional structural features to further facilitate the stability andfirm interconnection of the plurality of elongated sections 14 through16 comprise a stabilizing assembly directly associated with each of thejoint assemblies 18. More specifically, each stabilizing assembly 18includes two stabilizing segments 30 and 32 each disposed on a differentone of adjacent elongated segments, such as at 14 and 15, and in directassociation with the mating male section 19 and the mating femalesection 23, respectively. In a most preferred embodiment, thestabilizing segments 30 and 32 comprise annular peripheral portionsdisposed and configured to assume abutting engagement with one anotherwhen the corresponding elongated sections 14 and 15 are in the operativeposition, in coaxial alignment with one another.

As should be apparent, the stabilizing segment 30 substantiallysurrounds the base of the converging, angular exterior surface 19′ andis located substantially contiguous to the junction of the exteriorsurface 19′ and the remainder of the corresponding elongated section 14.The stabilizing segment 32, associated with the elongated section 15 andthe female mating portion 23, is located at the outer extremity of theconverging or angularly oriented interior surface 23′. As such, when themale mating portion 19 is inserted in mating engagement within theinterior of the female mating portion 23, the stabilizing segments 30and 32 will be disposed in abutting engagement with one another as theadjacent segments 14 and 15 assume the coaxially aligned orientation,which at least partially defines the operative position of the shaft 12.

With primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 through 4 b, the handle assembly20, including the elongated mounting portion 22, is cooperativelystructured with at least a portion of the proximal end 12′ of the shaft12 to facilitate longitudinal adjustment of the handle assembly 20relative to the remainder of the shaft 12. As such, the hand grip 26 aswell as the mounting portion 22 can be adjusted along the length of theshaft 12 in an area adjacent to proximal end 12′ and either towards oraway from the distal end 12″ and/or the surface engaging tip or endportion 60. Therefore, the overall length of the cane assembly 10 can beeasily and quickly adjusted to accommodate different sizes of the user.

More specifically and with reference to FIG. 1, the longitudinaladjustment of the handle assembly 20 relative to the proximal end 12′ isaccomplished by an adjustable connecting assembly 38 including aplurality of apertures 40 formed in the mounting assembly 22. Theconnecting assembly 39 further comprises a spring biased finger orbutton, normally biased to protrude outwardly as indicated in FIGS. 3and 3 a. Accordingly, when the proximal end 12′ passes into the interiorof the mounting portion 22, the biased finger 42 may be aligned with andextend outwardly from any of the apertures 40. As such the longitudinaldistance between the handle portion 20 and the distal end 12″ of theshaft 12 may be adjusted or varied to shorten or lengthen the overalllongitudinal dimension of the cane assembly 10. Other featuresassociated with the mounting portion 22 include an externally threadedsegment 43 which is designed to threadedly receive a locking cover nut45 thereon as also representing in FIG. 1.

With primary reference to FIG. 4 the hand grip 26 is preferablydetachable from the corresponding end of the mounting portion 22. Thisremovable connection may be at least partially defined by externalthreads 36 disposable in mating engagement with internal threads (notshown) formed on the interior of the corresponding end of the mountingportion 22. This threaded connection also provides for the adjustablerotation of the hand grip 26 and mounting portion 22 relative to oneanother, such that the hand grip 26 may assume any of a plurality ofangular orientations relative to the length or central longitudinal axisof the mounting portion 22 and so that minor height adjustments can beachieved. Additional external threads as at 37 are provided tofacilitate attachment of an internally threaded locking cover or likestructure 39.

Therefore and as set forth above, the hand grip 26 is movably andremovably connected to the mounting portion 22 of the handle assembly 20and more specifically is allowed to rotate relative to the length orcentral longitudinal access of the mounting portion 22. Moreover,various features of the cane assembly 10, including its appearance, areenhanced by allowing the handle grip 26 to be selectively disposed inany one of a plurality of angular orientation relative to the length ofthe mounting portion 22 as well as the remainder of the shaft 12, suchas when the mounting portion 22 and the shaft 12 are fixedly butremovably connected to one another in the operative position of FIG. 1.

In order to more precisely determine each of the plurality of angularorientations in which the hand grip 26 may be disposed relative to thelength of the mounting portion 22, another preferred embodiment of thepresent comprises an alignment assembly. As shown in FIGS. 4 through 4b, 5 and 6, the alignment assembly comprises an alignment membergenerally indicated as 44 having an annular or ring like base 46 and anelongated, protruding alignment finger or similar type protrusion 48. Inaddition, the alignment assembly 43 comprises one or more alignmentsegments 50 disposed on the hand grip 26 such as contiguous the externalthreads 37. Also, one or more alignment segments 52 are disposed on thecorresponding end 22′ of the mounting portion 22. In the preferredembodiment represented in FIGS. 4 through 4 b, 5 and 6, the pluralityalignment segments include at least one such segment 52 and/or recessdisposed on the hand grip 26 contiguous to the external threads 37 and aplurality of alignment segments or recesses 52 formed on the outerextremity 22′ of the mounting portion 22. However, it is emphasized thatthe reverse structure would function equally well, such as when theexternal thread 37 included a plurality of such alignment segments orrecesses 50 and further therein where the extremity 22′ of the mountingportion 22 had only a single alignment segment or recess 52.

In operation, the user selects any one of a plurality of angularorientations which the hand grip 26 is to assume relative to themounting portion 22 and the shaft 12. When such an angular orientationis selected, the alignment segment 50, disposed on the hand grip 26, isaligned with an appropriate one of the alignment segments 52 formed onthe extremity 22′ of the mounting portion 20. The annular base or ring46 is sized to be movable along the length of the exterior surface ofthe mounting portion 22. As such the ring 46 is disposed adjacent to theextremity 22′ such that the protruding finger 48 extends across thejunction 51 between the hand grip 26 and the mounting portion 22 and ininterconnecting retaining relation with the aligned, alignment segments50 and 52′ as represented in FIG. 6. In at least one preferredembodiment the alignment segments 50 and 52 are defined by channels,recesses or like structures, the protruding finger or like protrudingmember 48 of the alignment member 44 is at least partially disposedwithin the recessed alignment segments 50, 52. Therefore the finger 48will not interfere with the threaded attachment of the cover nut 39 onthe grip 26 as described above. Moreover, the protruding finger 48 isformed of a sufficiently rigid or high strength material so as to retainthe preferred and selected angular orientation of the hand grip 26relative to the mounting portion 22 when the protruding finger 48 isoperatively disposed in interconnecting relation between correspondingones of the alignment segments 50 and 52. Thereafter the locking cover39 is secured over the external threads 37, securing the alignmentmember 44 in its selected aligning position so that it maintains thedesired rotational handle grip 26 alignment. Also, the locking cover ispreferably counter threaded as compared to the threaded interconnectionbetween the threads 36 of the handle grip 26 and the interior of themounting portion 22, thereby further securing the handle grip 26 to themounting portion 22 during use of the walking cane and minimizing therisk of inadvertent un-threading during use.

Additionally, in an alternate preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9,the protruding finger 48 of the alignment member 44 is preferablysufficiently elongate to protrude above a top lip of the locking cover39. Specifically, when the locking cover 39 is un-threaded, thealignment member 44 is no longer held in place and may slide out of therecessed alignment segments 50, 52. With the walking cane assembly heldgenerally upright, this would result in the alignment member 44 droppinginto the interior of the locking cover 39. Accordingly, by making theprotruding finger 48 sufficiently elongate, a user can either remove thealignment member 44 from within the locking cover 39 in order to placeit within the recessed alignment segments 50, 52, or can ensure that atip of the protruding finger 48 is aligned with an entrance to therecessed alignment segment 52 as the locking cover 39 is tightened sothat it will be urged up into its aligning orientation within therecessed alignment segments 50, 52 as the locking cover 39 is tightened.Naturally, the length of the recessed alignment segment 50 may beextended to accommodate the length of the protruding finger 48 asneeded.

Selection of a particular one of the plurality of angular orientationsin which the hand grip 26 is disposed may be based, at least in part,upon the orientation or positioning of the connecting assembly 38defined by the plurality of apertures 40 and the biasing finger 42serving to interconnect the mounting portion 22 to the proximal end 12′of the shaft 12. By way of example, a user may prefer to dispose theconnecting assembly 38 in a less obtrusive location, such as beneath therear portion of the handle grip 26 as at 53. In contrast, connectingassembly 38 may also be located beneath the front portion of the handgrip, as at 55 and thereby face outwardly from what may be considered afront portion of the cane assembly 10. As yet another alternative, theconnecting assembly 38 may be located on either side of the hand grip26. A variety of other factors may also determine a preferred angularorientation of the hand grip 26 relative to the length of the mountingportion 20 and shaft 12.

Yet another structural feature of the present invention is demonstratedin FIGS. 1, 7 and 8. More specifically, a surface engaging membergenerally indicates as 60 preferably comprises a “tip” structure havinga housing 62 with an interior channel or recess 64 for seating andattaching the distal end 12″ of the shaft 12. Further, the surfaceengaging tip or structure 60 may include a base 66 which is disposed,dimensioned and configured to absorb significant portion of the weightor force exerted on the cane assembly 10, such as at least 250 pounds,as conventionally applied. The surface engaging tip or like structure 60also comprises a peripheral flange 68 which extends radially and to acertain extent longitudinally outward from the base 66, as well as atleast the majority of the remainder of the housing 62. Further, theperipheral flange 68 is formed of a material having sufficientflexibility to “give” or at least partially collapse as the peripheralflange engages a supporting surface 70 as generally indicated bydirectional arrow 72. Accordingly, the degree of flexibility of theperipheral flange 68 facilitates a non-slipping and/or non-slidingcontact with the support surface 70 as the cane comes into forcedcontact therewith. The stability of a cane assembly 10, as well as theuser, relative to the supporting surface 70, is thereby significantlyenhanced.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. A walking cane comprising: a) an elongated shaft terminating inoppositely disposed distal and proximal ends, b) a handle assemblymoveably connected to said proximal end and including a grip, c) saidgrip selectively rotationally adjustable relative to said shaft d) amounting portion adjustably interconnecting said grip to said shaft, e)an alignment assembly at least partially disposed on both said grip andsaid mounting portion and cooperatively structured therewith tofacilitate selective disposition of said grip into a desired rotationalorientation relative to said shaft.
 2. A walking cane assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said grip is moveable with said mountingportion relative to said shaft.
 3. A walking cane assembly as recited inclaim 2 wherein said grip is moveable relative to said mounting portion.4. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said grip isaxially positionable at various distances from said distal end.
 5. Awalking cane assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said grip isrotationally connected to said mounting portion and selectivelydisposable into any one of a plurality of angular orientations relativeto said shaft.
 6. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 5 whereinsaid grip is threadedly connected to said mounting portion.
 7. A walkingcane assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said grip is rotationallyconnected to said mounted portion and selectively disposable into anyone of a plurality of angular orientations relative to said shaft.
 8. Awalking cane assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said alignmentassembly is cooperatively structured to facilitate selective dispositionof said grip into any one of said plurality of angular orientations. 9.A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said alignmentassembly comprises an alignment member disposed in interconnectingrelation with aligned portions of said grip and said mounting portion.10. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said alignmentassembly further comprises a plurality of alignment segments disposed onsaid grip and said mounting portion; said alignment member disposable inconcurrently retaining engagement with aligned ones of said alignmentsegments.
 11. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 10 whereinsaid plurality of alignment segments comprise a plurality of recessedportions at least one of which is formed on each of said grip and saidmounting portion.
 12. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 11wherein said alignment member is removably disposable between said gripand said mounting portion and at least partially within aligned ones ofsaid recessed portions.
 13. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim12 further comprising a locking cover structured to maintain saidalignment member within said aligned ones of said recessed portions. 14.A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said alignmentmember is structured to protrude from said locking cover.
 15. A walkingcane assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said shaft comprises aplurality of elongated sections disposable into and out of an operativeposition, said operative position comprising said plurality of sectionsdisposed in coaxial relation to one another.
 16. A walking cane assemblyas recited in claim 15 further comprising at least one joint assemblyincluding two mating portions each disposed on a different one ofadjacent elongated sections, said mating portions structured forremovable mating engagement with one another when said shaft is in saidoperative position.
 17. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 16wherein each of said mating portions include a stabilizing segment,corresponding ones of said stabilizing segments disposable in abuttingengagement with one another when said plurality of elongated sectionsare in said operative position.
 18. A walking cane assembly as recitedin claim 17 wherein each of said stabilizing segments are at leastpartially defined by an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding oneof said mating sections.
 19. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim17 wherein each of said stabilizing segments comprise a substantiallyannular configuration.
 20. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim17 wherein cooperative ones of said stabilizing segments include anouter surface cooperatively disposed and configured for removable,mating engagement with one another.
 21. A walking cane assembly asrecited in claim 16 wherein said mating sections of each joint comprisea male section and a female section cooperatively dimensioned andconfigured for removable, mating engagement with one another.
 22. Awalking cane assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said male sectioncomprises an elongated member having an outwardly converging exteriorsurface and a cylindrical surface connected to one another along thelength of said male section.
 23. A walking cane assembly as recited inclaim 22 wherein each of said male and female sections include astabilizing segment removably disposed in abutting engagement withanother.
 24. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a surface engaging end member connected to said distal end ofsaid shaft and structured to facilitate non-sliding engagement with asupporting surface.
 25. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 24wherein said end member comprises a base and a peripheral flangeextending both radially and axially outward from said base, saidperipheral flange formed of sufficiently flexible material to at leastpartially collapse upon engagement with the supporting surface.
 26. Awalking cane comprising: a) an elongated shaft terminating in oppositelydisposed distal and proximal ends, b) a handle assembly moveablyconnected to said proximal end and including a grip, c) said gripselectively rotationally adjustable relative to said shaft d) a mountingportion adjustably interconnecting said grip to said shaft, e) analignment assembly at least partially disposed on both said grip andsaid mounting portion and cooperatively structured therewith tofacilitate selective disposition of said grip into a desired rotationalorientation relative to said shaft; and f) a locking cover structured tosecure said alignment assembly in an aligning position on said grip andsaid mounting portion.
 27. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim26 wherein said alignment assembly comprises an alignment memberstructured to engage said grip and said mounting portion and maintainrelative axial alignment therebetween.
 28. A walking cane assembly asrecited in claim 27 wherein said alignment member is structured toprotrude from said locking cover.